The National Aquaculture Chamber (CNA) claims the existence of technical, tariff or health issues in Argentina, China, South Korea, Egypt and Brazil that complicate the entry of Ecuadorian shrimp into these markets.
CNA argues that these barriers prevent the total or partial access of the crustacean from Ecuador, which is one of the traditional products for export of the country.
During the first quarter of 2013, Ecuadorian producers exported shrimp for over USD 330 million. The volume of exports remained virtually unchanged (103,000 pounds compared with 104,000 that were exported in the first three months of 2012), but the best international prices allowed an increase in income by 18 per cent.
As indicated by the CNA director, José Antonio Camposano, shipments to Brazil are on a standstill because the government maintains a sanitary barrier.
The Brazilian authorities argue that a risk analysis is being performed to check the white spot virus that hit Ecuador. But Brazil also faced this issue.
Brazil was competitor of Ecuador up to the 90s but since the year 2000 it has stopped exporting and concentrated on the domestic market supply, recalled the newspaper El Universo.
Brazil now produces about 80,000 tonnes per year and records a deficit of 20,000 tonnes.
Camposano states that Ecuador is able to supply the Brazilian market missing, but current obstacles are preventing it.
The Ecuadorian shrimp industry intends the Government to make the necessary arrangements to solve the conflict.
As to tariffs, Ecuadorian shipments also have complications in China, South Korea and Egypt.
In the case of Egypt, in particular, CNA director said that they are going to take the necessary steps to make inquiries as to why a tariff is being the imposed on Ecuadorian shrimp.
Similarly, in Argentina, shipments record difficulties since the Argentinean authorities have started to demand an affidavit of imports.
"Out of two containers exported on the same day, by the same company, one is approved," he complained.
Ricardo Cedera Montes, executive director of the Ecuadorean-Argentinean Chamber of Commerce, explained that the affidavit is a process that the South American country has applied since 2013 for all imports in order to keep track of the dollars that are sent abroad for purchases abroad.
Camposano stated the price per pound is at around USD 2.50, although that varies depending on the size of the shrimp.
In 2000, we recorded the highest value per pound: USD 3.59, reported America Economia.